1. 18-1 18-1 Legal Aspects of Marriage 18-2 18-2 Legal Aspects of Divorce Chapter 18 1 CHAPTER 18

2.  Marriage  Marriage is a legal union of a man and woman as husband and wife.  When a marriage proposal is accepted, a binding contract results.  State laws set minimum age for marriage without parental consent.  Cohabitation is legal in Colorado. Chapter 18 2

3. 1. When a marriage proposal is accepted, a binding contract results. annulled – the agreement is void. (problems from the very beginning). 2. If both later agree to end their engagement, the contract is annulled – the agreement is void. (problems from the very beginning). 3. Voidable marriage - spouse lying about a past marriage, age, wealth A voidable marriage can be annulled – a court order that cancels a marriage. Chapter 18 3

4.  $20 revenue marriage license (no waiting period)  18 is legal, 16 parental consent, under 16 you need a court order  No blood test or physical exam  License expires 30 days from date of issue  Common-law marriage Chapter 18 4

5.  #1 Duty: Parental rights and duties  Adoption  Emancipation  Property rights and duties  Pre-Nup  Post-Nup Chapter 18 5

6. A marriage may end several ways: 1. Death of either spouse 2. Annulment (legal vs. religious) 3. Void Marriage - Bigamist 4. Divorce (Dissolution ) Irreconcilable Differences Chapter 18 6

7.  No-fault divorce  State divorce laws  Separation – 90%  Issues to be resolved:  Division of property – age, $, contributions to marriage  Parenting time and Decision Making (Custody and visitation)  Maintenance (Alimony) – set by court Chapter 18 7